Chap 8:

It's been a month since he last saw Sakura, and still no signs of her working at the hospital. Through the grapevine, it seems like she took a leave of absence for 2 months to move to a new house Sasuke had brought for them. Today will be the first time, everyone has been together since the wedding. Today Ino planned a surprise birthday party for Sakura and invited everyone.

"Kakashi Sensei!" Ino yelled as she ran towards him. "You're still coming tonight, right?"

"Of course. I'm on my way to pick up a gift for her." He replied as he continued to walk towards the small antique boutique.

"That's nice of you." She sighed and walked with him towards the store, "I hope she has fun, She has been cooped up in the house for a month and every time I come over, Sasuke answers the door and she barely says a word. Call me selfish, but I planned to party for her and me."

"Oh really?" Kakashi questioned as he opened the door for Ino of the boutique.

"Yea… This is a way for me to see Sakura for myself and know that she is okay. She has been so distant since she married Sasuke." Ino followed Kakashi towards the section that had all the brooches.

"Well, I hope all is well." He responded as he noticed a beautiful pink and green flower brooch. It had diamonds placed throughout the brooch.

"Whoa Kakashi… that is so beautiful!" Ino stated in awe as the owner walked over and noticed them viewing the brooch.

"Ah yes… This is one of our most expensive pieces here. It's $1200 dollars but for the Great Copy Nin, Kakashi. I give it to you for $1000." The sellman stated as he gave a wide grin.

"I will take it." Kakashi responded as he reached to grab the brooch, examining it as he thought it would look on her. Kakashi handed him his card, so he can complete his purchase.

"Whoever this woman is, she must be special to you." The sellman responded as he gently placed the brooch in a beautiful gift box and placed the box in a gift bag.

"She is." Kakashi cleared his throat as he noticed Ino giving him a suspicious look at his recent confession. "Well thank you."

" You welcome and come back again!" The sellmans waved as Kakashi and Ino exit the store.

"Wow, Kakashi… none of my friends, former senseis or my boyfriend ever bought me something that expensive. She must be really special to you, huh?"

"Of course… She was my former student and I haven't seen her in awhile. Also this is a big day. It's her 24th birthday and she deserves a good gift especially if I can afford it." He responded.

Ino gave him a smirk, "Well I will see you tonight… Remember it's at the K-Lounge at 9 til whatever!"

"I will be there." Kakashi replied as he walked towards his house to prepare for the night.

Ino decided to stop by Sakura house to help her prepare for tonight. She arrived shortly to the new house that Sakura and Sasuke recently brought.

"Hey Forehead! Are you home?" Ino yelled as she knocked on the door.

She waited for a while until the door opened.

"What do you want, Ino?" Sasuke glared at Ino, barely letting Ino in the house.

"Is Sakura in? I need to help her get dressed for her birthday." Ino stated as she pushed her through the door, letting herself in the house. She saw Sakura walking to the kitchen with a box. "Oh Sakura!" She ran to the surprise Sakura and grabbed the box. "You are not going to do any work today… It's your birthday and you are coming with me to get ready for a spa day."

"Oh Ino… I'm good. I will get ready here…" Sakura stated as she looked at Sasuke.

"It's my gift to you…. And by the look of things Sasuke didn't do anything for you…" Ino stated as she rolled her eyes at Sasuke. " So get your things, and let's go."

"Sakura is not going anywhere?" Sasuke stated as he stepped towards Ino and Sakura.

"Yes she is…" Ino turned around and stood between Sakura and Sasuke.

Sakura noticed Sasuke's temper was starting to rise and decided to speak, "Sasuke, It's okay. I will get ready and I will meet you there. This will give you some time to meditate." She tried to bring out a positive out of the situation as she grabbed Ino's hand and pulled her to the door. She gave Sasuke a kiss but noticed the rage in his eyes. "I will see you at the party…. Okay."

He didn't say a word but continued to stare at Ino.

Sakura opened the door and left the house with Ino. Sakura finally exhaled and couldn't stop shaking. Ino noticed her friend shaking and gently touched her shoulders.

"Sakura, what was that about? " She stared at her, trying to search for an answer in her eyes. "Sakura, answer me!" She yelled.

"It's nothing, he just wanted me near him that's all. But let's not think about that… okay." Sakura tried to change the topic, pulling her best friend to her house.

Ino shook her head, "Well first we can go to my house and pregame and we can get ready there." Ino smiled at Sakura, "This is going to be so much fun! I miss you." She squealed.

"I miss you too." Sakura smiled in return as they approached Ino's house. "Is Sai home?"

"No.. He is out running errands." Ino replied as she opened the door and turned the light on. "So, first…. Let's take a shot!" Ino grabbed a bottle of japanese whiskey, "I bet you haven't had this before." She teased as she poured the shots.

"Well, the matter of fact, I did. About a month ago." Sakura grinned as she grabbed the shot glass. She loved it when she proved her best friend wrong.

"Oh really. Sasuke doesn't look like a whiskey type of guy." Ino rolled her eyes. Just the thought of Sasuke annoyed her.

"Well…" Sakura started to blush, "It was with Kakashi."

Ino turned her head so quickly, "KAKASHI!" She yelled. "When did yall go out drinking. The way it looks, Sasuke doesn't let you go anywhere." She took her shot, making a loud noise from the burning sensation in her chest.

"Well, it's a long story but anyways…." She took her shot. "We are supposed to party and have fun. Let's get dressed and let's take two more shots…. EACH!" She squealed as she poured the drinks.

As the hours passed by, Sakura and Ino laughed, drank, and ate snacks and before they knew it, it was 8 o'clock.

"We should get dressed, it's almost time for us to go out!" Ino exclaimed as she went to her closet to look for an outfit for herself and sakura. "Oooo…. I am going to wear this mini black dress and these long strap heels and Sakura.. Let's pick something that will turn heads." Ino went through all of her dresses until she saw this green dress that was backless and only had straps in the front to cover her top. The dress was to her knees, so it was not too slutty.

"Sakura… this is it!" Ino exclaimed as she pulled the dress out.

Sakura's eyes bugged out as she saw what little dress Ino was holding. "Ino…. that is a bit much."

"No it's not." Ino replied.

Sakura was not comfortable showing her back due the recent bruises she obtained from a recent fight. She couldn't reach her back to heal them, so she always let the bruises she couldn't heal, heal on its own time.

"Sakura, come on, your back is" Ino lifted Sakura's shirt up and saw the bruises that crossed her back, "beautiful." She let go of Sakura's shirt and gasped. "Sakura… what happened?"

"Ino… it's nothing. He was just mad one day and …"

"Wait a minute… are you telling me that Sasuke has been hitting you." Ino exclaimed.

"Ino… just drop it.. I made him mad and he…" Sakura tried to dismiss and change the topic but was interrupted by Ino outburst.
"Nothing gives him the right to beat you. We need to tell the Hokage now!" Ino reached for her cell phone but noticed Sakura jerking the phone from her hand.

"Please Ino… don't say anything. I will handle it. I promise." Sakura pleaded.

Ino saw the desperation in her eyes and against her better judgement she agreed.

"I won't say anything… but you will need to tell and if I don't see anything change… I will have to tell." Ino responded.

"I will handle it.." Sakura sighed.

Ino was an utter shock, Sakura was one the strongest konichis in the village and she has been suffering by the hands of sasuke all of this time. She knew that for now, she will make random visits to her best friend's house, to check to see if anything changed but right now, she decided that she would help Sakura enjoy her day and escape reality, even if it is for a couple of hours.

"Well, You can still wear this dress. I will heal your bruises on your back." Ino stated as she raised her hands to heal Sakura's back.

The sensation of Ino's chakra flowing through her back, helped with the soreness she felt and in the matter of minutes he back was clear of any bruises like nothing ever happened.

"Now… let's get dressed. It's party time." Ino cheered as she handed her the green dress and she put on her outfit.

Once they finished putting on their clothes and doing their hair and makeup, they walked out the door towards the K-lounge.

Sakura noticed it was pretty packed at the lounge but paid it no mind. As soon she entered the lounge she heard a huge crowd yell, "SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAKURA!"

She was so amazed as she heard all of the yelling and cheering coming from her friends. She saw all of her friends, and she saw Kakashi. He was standing there with his hands in his pockets, wearing blue faded jeans, a nice black short sleeve button up with his mask still attached. His hair was messy but he was still handsome. She also noticed Sasuke was not there. She figured he wouldn't be on time for her day, so now she has to make an excuse on why he is late but her thoughts were interrupted by Naruto as he gave Sakura the biggest hug.
"Happy birthday!" Naruto whispered in her ear as he continued to hold her.

"Gosh Naruto, I can't breath." Sakura chuckled.

"Sorry, Its been so long since I saw you. I'm going to buy you a drink, what do you want?"

"Ummm…"

"She will have a glass of Japanese whiskey." Kakashi came from behind her and answered.

"Oh… you like expensive stuff." Naruto chuckled, "I will be back."

"Happy birthday Sakura." He whispered in her ear, causing a chill to go down her spine. His voice was so low and husky.

Ino noticed their interaction and decided to go say hi to everyone to give them a moment to themselves.

"Thank you Kakashi." She replied as she turned to face him.

"Here is your gift. I hope you like it." Kakashi handed her the gift bag.

"Oh Kakashi, you didn't have to." She stated as she opened the box and noticed the beautiful brooch. "Kakashi, this is beautiful. Thank you."

"It's only fitting for someone as beautiful as you." He stepped closer to her, stroking his finger down her body. "Have you been taking care of yourself?"

"The best way I can." She responded as she felt a warmness rise in her core.

Kakashi stepped back as he saw Naruto coming back with the drink.

"Here you go Sakura!" Naruto handed the drink to Sakura. "How have you been Sakura? You have been cooped up in that house with Sasuke and nobody ever sees you.. I guess that is married life, by the way where is Sasuke?"

"He is running late.. He was doing stuff around the new house." Sakura lied.

"Oh thats cool. Well I am about to go on the dance floor, come let's party." Naruto cheered.

"Can I have this dance with you, birthday girl." Kakashi asked as he lifted his hand, waiting for Sakura to place her hand in his.

"Of course."

Kakashi dragged her to the middle of the dance floor, surrounded by all of their friends. A reggae song started to play in the club. Kakashi turned her around and began dancing with her. Sakura was amazed at how good of a dancer he was.

They danced through a couple of songs but decided to go to the bar to grab another drink.

"So what do you want?" Kakashi asked.

"Surprise me." Sakura responded as she watched Kakashi go to the order side of the bar to place an order. She decided to have a seat while she waited for Kakashi.

The night was going so well so far. She finally felt happy for the first time until she felt his presence nearby and she felt a jerk on her arm.

"What do you have on Sakura?" Sasuke jerked her up out of the seat, causing the stool to fall and others to notice the interaction.

"Yo, Sasuke. Let go of Sakura like that… it's her birthday." Naruto walked over to them.

"Shut up dobe… this is my wife and I will do whatever I please." Sasuke spat as he tightened his grip on her arm.

"Naruto it's okay…" She pleaded as she winced in pain.

"Let's go." Sasuke yelled and tried to pull Sakura with him.

"Why don't we stay and have fun."

"No...LET'S GO!"

Before Sasuke could pull her again, a hand was placed on Sasuke's arm.

"I don't think she wants to go. So let go of her.. Now." Kakashi jerked Sasuke's hand away from Sakura and stood in between them.

"Kakashi... " Sasuke began to laugh and give an evil smirk. "Oh captain save a hoe."

"Yo Sasuke, don't call Sakura that." Naruto interjected.

"Shut up dobe."

"I think you had too much to drink… and you need to go home." Kakashi stepped towards Sasuke as he moved Sakura behind him.

"I will go home when I am ready." Sasuke stepped closer to Kakashi bumping his chest.

"Sasuke, you need to go home. You are causing a scene, and your whole charade is about to be exposed." Kakashi stated as he placed his hands in his pockets. "Now go home lil boy, you reek of cheap alcohol."

Sasuke growled and noticed that everyone was staring at him. He took a look at Sakura.

"I will see you later."

"No, you will see her in the morning. She will be with me." Ino interrupted, finally able to get through the crowd.

Sasuke growled and walked off.

"Are you okay?" Ino asked Sakura as she walked her back to the stool at the bar.

"Yea… Thanks Ino"

"No problem, you should be thanking Naruto and especially Kakashi." Ino replied. "I noticed you and Kakashi getting kind of cozy on the dance floor."

Sakura blushed as she dusted her dress off.

"You know it's okay to leave him and find real happiness." Ino handed her a glass.

"I know. I want to leave but I'm scared of what will happen to…"

"To who… Sasuke or Kakashi?"

"Kakashi, Sasuke stated he will kill him and me if I ever try anything." Sakura informed her.

"Well, we will figure something out but at least tonight you are away from him." Ino replied.

"Yea… for tonight." Sakura replied and noticed Kakashi walking towards her.

"I'm going to give ya'll a moment." Ino replied as she grabbed Naruto who was also walking towards Sakura.

"Are you okay?" Kakashi asked as he stepped towards her stroking his finger on her arm.

"Yea. I am for now. Kakashi …. Thank you." She sighed.

"I told you I am always here for you." Kakashi replied. "Just know I love you."

" I know you do.. And I want to love you too." Sakura replied, "But I am scared to move on."

Kakashi noticed the water that was forming in her eyes. "Sakura, let's talk about that later. Let's enjoy the night, the night is still young."

Sakura nodded as she was escorted to the dance floor. She continued to the dance the night away, drinking shots and having a good time. Before they noticed it was around 2 o'clock in the morning.

"Kakashi, can you take Sakura to your house… Me and Sai are about to...ummmmm.." Ino asked as she felt Sai touching her sensually.

"Sure… She looks like she is about to pass out anyways." Kakashi slurred a little as he helped Sakura standing up from the stool. Kakashi conducted a transportation jutsu and was gone in a matter of seconds.

"Man… I need to learn that jutsu." Ino gasped as she felt Sai kissing on her neck.

~Kakashi's House~

"Alright Sakura. Let's get you in the bed." Kakashi stumbled to the bedroom door, and noticed Sakura crying.

"Sakura, why are you crying?" Kakashi asked as he walked over to her.

"Kakashi… I am miserable… I want to leave." Sakura confessed.

"Then leave, you know you have friends that will be there for you and I think your apartment has not been rented yet." Kakashi informed her as he removed his shirt and mask.

"I can't leave…."

"Yes you can." Kakashi stated with a little force, he can tell the alcohol was getting to him.

"No, I can't," Sakura yelled.

"Why can't you." Kakashi asked.

"Sasuke stated he will kill me if I am around you and he will kill you." Sakura confessed as she grabbed Kakashi's shirts. "I don't want you to die."

"Sakura, I will not get hurt and I will not let anything happen to you." He grabbed Sakura by her arms and placed a lips on hers. He held her tightly as he deepened his kiss. He felt her tongue as he picked her up and took her into the room.

"Sakura… I want you.. I need you.." Kakashi groaned as he felt Sakura grabbing his hair. "Leave, and I promise I will protect you with my life."

"I love you Kakashi, please make love to me." Sakura pleaded as she felt herself being dropped on the bed. "Take off your pants." She instructed.

She slowly watched as Kakashi removed his pants and only wore his underwear. Sakura stumbled up as she grabbed his package, hearing him moan. Kakashi felt his leg quiver as she felt Sakura stroking him.

" Sakura… please. If you are not ready for this please let me know, because you are teasing me."

"Kakashi." She stood up as she continued to stroke him. "Make me feel like a woman tonight."

He soon captured her lips as he slid the straps of her dress from her shoulders and unzipped the bottom of the dress.

"Come live with me." Kakashi asked as he continued to kiss down her neck. He groaned as he smelt her arousal. "You smell divine."

"I will leave him." She responded as she felt herself laying on the bed, and her legs spreading apart. She soon felt his manhood rubbing against her flower causing juices to flow. "Please make love to me."

Kakashi slowly thrust himself inside of her, causing her gasp as he went in deeper into her core.

"You feel so good to me." Kakashi whimpered as he continued to thrust in and out of her. He continued to make love to her. He knew the alcohol played a part but he loved her and all he wanted was to make love to her. He continued until he felt her tightening, preparing for her release. And he soon pulled out, releasing on his sheets.

"Kakashi… Hold me."

He nodded and gave her a kiss on her forehead.

"I promise, we will work this out."

"I hope so, Kakashi… I hope so." She replied as she closed her eyes and slept.